New leader named for state HHS Medical Services

Oct. 4—BISMARCK — An executive from Kentucky has been named to lead the Medical Services Division of North Dakota Health and Human Services.

Stephanie Bates was announced as the division's executive director on Sept. 30.

"We're excited for Stephanie to join our team as she brings over 25 years of experience in leading healthcare operations, health policy, government programs and strategic initiatives," HHS Commissioner Conner Swanson said in a release sent to the media. "Stephanie will be a valuable addition to our team as we work to advance our vision of making North Dakota the healthiest state in the nation."

The Medical Services Division administers Medicaid services, the Children's Health Insurance Program, autism services and other health-related services that benefit North Dakotans.

According to the release, Bates previously led Kentucky's Legislative Office of Health Data and Analytics, where she served as a policy and technical expert, advising members of the General Assembly and legislative committees including health services, child and family services and the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board. Prior to that, she was a leader in state affairs in Medicaid managed care with CVS Health/Aetna Medicaid and also spent seven years with Kentucky's Medicaid agency.

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